With the inauguration of the new Government of the Republic of Korea lead by President Lee Myung-bak, a large-scale reorganization of the government structure was carried out. As the number of ministries was reduced from 18 to 13, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is newly reorganized as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) after being integrated with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources.

Professor Kim Do-Yeon of Seoul National University was appointed as Minister of the MEST. A substantial part of the functions of the MOST will be maintained in the MEST, and so will the existing nuclear energy related functions such as R&D, international cooperation, safety regulations, non-proliferation and applications of radioisotopes.